Jules Kounde has admitted it has been a ‘lively summer’ after giving his heartfelt reaction to missing a move to Chelsea from Sevilla.
Chelsea reinforced their attack with the club’s record return of Romelu Lukaku this summer. Ideally, they would also have liked to reinforce the ranks at the opposite end of the field. Kounde was a primary target on defense, but they refused to meet Sevilla’s high selling price.
There have been many fallout since then, with speculation that they could revisit a transfer in January if the La Liga team lowers its demands again.
Doubts persist about the future of Antonio Rudiger, who is in the last year of his contract. Meanwhile, Thiago Silva is 37 years old, so more depth might be required in the long run. The 22-year-old Kounde would be a smart move to tackle that problem.
He came close to reaching a deal with Chelsea before the transfer fell through and was initially angry at Sevilla for not letting him go. It was claimed that he refused to respond to calls earlier this month from his coach or athletic director.
However, since then he has started all four of his games since returning from the international break together with Diego Carlos, who recently claimed that his partner’s head was in the right place.
Now, Kounde has spoken for himself, painting a somewhat different picture than the one previously reported.
In quotes published by Football Spain, Kounde reaffirmed his commitment to his current club, stating that they need each other.
“As always. We all know it was a lively summer. Now it’s over, ”he said.
“I am concentrating on the team, on what I have to do.
“The team needs me and I need the team to perform at its best.
“At the moment I am happy with the results, with how I am playing, although I have a lot of room to improve and have a more complete season than last.”
The former Bordeaux academy graduate appeared in 48 games in all competitions last season, after helping Sevilla win the Europa League the previous year. He also became a full international for France earlier this year and has three caps to his name.
His termination clause amounts to 68 million euros, but Chelsea would expect to do business for around 50 million euros if possible.
That said, it appears that Kounde is now focused on Sevilla for at least one more year. He remains under contract at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuan Stadium until 2024.
Chelsea expands defensive wish list
When the time comes for Kounde to move on, Chelsea are unlikely to be his only suitor. Similarly, it is no longer the only center they are considering.
A recent report mentioned his interest in an ambitious deal for PSG captain Marquinhos and the subsequent realization that it might be easier to sign someone else.
The Daily Mail stated that Chelsea has now ‘concluded’ a move for the Brazilian to be intertwined with too much difficulty.
On the other hand, citing the Italian medium Calciomercato, a huge The £ 103m offer to Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt is now being ‘targeted’.
The 22-year-old Dutchman will be available for 103 million pounds next summer. At that time, your previously negotiated release clause will take effect.
It is understood that Juventus seeks to tie De Ligt to new terms. However, if Chelsea makes a necessary offer, Juventus will not be able to resist.
A move of £ 103 million would set the new benchmark for the British transfer record. That figure currently stands at £ 100 million after Man City shelled out the nine-figure sum to sign Jack Grealish in August.
Naturally, it would also break the Chelsea club’s record fee, currently held by Lukaku, at 97.5 million pounds.
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